Language Arts Program

“One had to cram all of this stuff into one's mind, whether one liked it or not. This coercion had such a deterring effect, that, after I had passed the final examination, I found the consideration of any scientific problems distasteful to me for an entire year...It is in fact nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not entirely strangled the holy spirit of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this, it goes to wrack and ruin without fail. It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty.”

The objectives of the designed curriculum are to provide thematically organized concepts implemented at three levels of learning. All phases will begin with a fiction-based literature program in the first twelve weeks, followed by a non-fiction unit, and ending the year with the historical settings genre. The program will stress higher level thinking skills while nurturing creativity, cooperation, individuality and leadership. The classroom environment will be filled with discussion, interaction, hands-on projects, technology connections, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The study of literature, vocabulary (Latin/Greek stems), and writing will take place within the introduction to the class and the three major units for the year:

• Build a feeling of community within the class
• Begin to use critical thinking skills
• Build skills necessary for working with others
• Build foundational skills for the units to follow
• Show an understanding of self and others
• Begin to build appropriate leveled vocabulary and independent reading

     This unit is designed to examine literary elements of the short story to novel. Students will record setting, character, characterization, plot, climax, and mood in autobiographical notes for culminating writing assignments. Although many world renowned authors fill the reading list, students will be immersed in the American short story. Extensive time will be spent on literary terminology and analysis, as well as the basics of writing. Students will read novels outside of class, as well as in class - reading will be evaluated by exam and project. Choose independent reading novels from the following list:

Fiction List

     This unit is an investigative study utilizing scientific inquiry and research skills. Studies will involve an in-depth inquiry into environmental concerns as they analyze non-fiction reading and complete research. Students will read and write expository and persuasive essays to develop a criteria for credible sources in the study of environmental issues. Fictional reading will also add to the environmental discussions through of author tone in the ongoing conflict of nature vs. man, man vs. nature. Final projects will vary from display to environmental news broadcasts as a unit evaluation in addition to conventional assessments. Use the following link to choose independent reading:

Nonfiction List

     Students will identify and analyze the major communications and their histories. In learning to view critically, students will be able to differentiate types of news information, recognize how the medium shapes the message, and finally, identify persuasive techniques used in advertising. Students will read and interpret several plays as well; outside reading of historical fiction will also be required to complete project evaluation. The unit will transition into writing scripts for television to apply persuasive techniques and critical viewing to presentation. Video-taping will remain optional. Choose the following link to choose independent reading:

Historical Settings

     Students identify personal techniques of learning, thinking, and creativity. Students then explore their ability level in each area and discover ways to improve. Each grade level will analyze and strive to improve scores on standardized practice tests in vocabulary, reading, language expression, language mechanics, and writing. The results will remain in the student portfolios.

     With this unit, we begin a journey from early written communication to literature that stimulates the imagination with visions of the future. This unit is designed to investigate the impact of the printed word. The unit will progress from the first signs of written communication to Greek mythology, fables, legends, fairy tales and americanfolklore. Extensive time will be spent on literary terminology and analysis, as well as the basics of writing. Students will read novels outside of class and in class, with culminating creative literary projects. Choose independent reading from the following list:

Fiction List

     Students demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the cultural and political forces at work during times of conflict. From this study, students compare/contrast periods of war and prejudice to interpret, infer, and generalize historic information. Research, interview skills, reading, and writing activities are individualized to the grade level. Choose independent reading from the following list:

Nonfiction List

     This unit will be an in-depth study of poetry, poetic devices, and writing poetry, followed by other examples of creative writing - children's books, rebus stories, plays. Integrated within the unit, are the inspirations of music and art. Reading materials, vocabulary, and skills will supplement our creative spirit to produce inspired projects and real world application of writing. Check the newsletter during this phase for all the wonderful products students create for the community! Choose from the following list for independent novels:

My Best Friends Are Books

     Students identify personal techniques of learning, thinking, and creativity. Students then explore their ability level in each area and discover ways to improve. Each grade level will analyze and strive to improve scores on standardized practice tests in vocabulary, reading, language expression, language mechanics, and writing. The results will remain in the student portfolios.

     In this unit, students explore literature with a focus in the nineteenth century. The American voice rings loud in short stories, poems, and novels that have endured for two centuries. With a sensitivity to world events in the 1800's, world literature adds a unique flavor to our own history through alternate points of view and culture. A clear connection between literature and the influence of historical events becomes clear through this unit of study. Evaluation will vary from conventional assessments to project-based evaluation. Choose from the following for independent reading:

Fiction List

     In this unit, the newspaper and magazines provide practice in literary skills from literal interpretation to inferred meaning in editorials. Students will research the major events of a decade in American History and produce a final product for class presentation. Reading materials, vocabulary, and final product will reflect the appropriate grade level. Projects will vary from a written magazine to a newspaper reflecting the decade researched and supported Independent reading list:

Nonfiction List

     Students will identify and use different approaches to future thinking. Analyzing ways to adapt to change and anticipate the future, students express thoughts in a variety of writing forms from expository essay, poetry, to applications for much needed future inventions. Independent reading list:

My Best Friends Are Books